Total automobile sales in March rose 52 per cent compared to February, to nearly 27,000 units, despite people waiting for prices to further decline, according to the latest data from the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (VAMA).

The Vietnam News Agency cited the data in reporting that sales of completely-built-unit (CBU) vehicles increased 114 per cent, reaching 8,484, while more than 18,388 completely-knocked-down (CKD) vehicles were sold, up 35 per cent.

Of the total, 16,805 units were passenger cars, up 67 per cent, 8,278 units were commercial vehicles, up 31 per cent, and 1,789 units were special-purpose vehicles, up 45 per cent.

Toyota Vietnam followed, with 4,679 units, or 20.5 per cent, and Ford Vietnam, with 2,501 units, or 11 per cent.

Total automobile sales in the first quarter of 2017 saw a year-on-year increase of 8 per cent to 64,729 units, with passenger cars up 23 per cent while commercial and special-purpose vehicles fell 10 per cent and 13 per cent. respectively.

The number of CBUs sold rose 41 per cent while the number of CKDs fell 1 per cent.